A few days ago I wrote an article about the seven institutions and organizations in Louisville that we hope will become Partners with the Academy. To refresh your memory: Louisville Presbyterian Seminary and Southern Baptist Seminary, Simmons College, Central District of the Baptist Association of Kentucky, Presbyterian Church USA, Southeast Christian Church, and Cathedral of the Assumption (and the archdiocese of Louisville).
Today, I made my second visit to the Cathedral and if all congregational and denominational ministers were as enthusiastic about the Academy as they are our Young Preachers movement would sweep the country like a gospel tsunami.
Music Director Philip Brisson agreed to bring the Cathedral Choir to sing at the final plenary session of the Festival of Young Preachers (Saturday, noon, when all 100 young preachers will be inducted into the Academy as Charter Members). Associate Pastor Martin Linebach, who had already agreed to be a Convener on Saturday morning of the Festival, asked to serve on the Board of Advisers; and I readily agreed. (See the full list elsewhere on this website.)
Finally, Pastor William Fichteman discussed with me the possibility of the Cathedral hosting the second Festival of Young Preachers, in January of 2011. His staff toured me through their campus inspecting the venues that might be suitable for the Festival activities. It was quite impressive.
And as soon as Bishop Joseph Kurtz gets a clear space on his busy calendar, he and I will talk about the Diocese of Louisville being a Partner with the Academy in an official sense. See the list of our Partners elsewhere on this website.
It was a good visit to the Cathedral. I look forward to Bishop Kurtz leading the way for many Roman Catholic preachers to join with us in the Academy of Preachers.